Stories

Growing opposition within the EU challenges Spain's strict regulations on nicotine products. Concerns expressed by member states highlight fear of hindering harm reduction efforts, distorting the internal market, and promoting cigarette use. Spain's proposal faces resistance from governments aiming to prevent trade barriers and ensure laws comply with single-market rules. Critics cite frustration with regulations contradicting evidence and striving for lower smoking rates. Calls to respect successful harm reduction strategies, like Sweden's, emphasize the need for balanced legislation. The objections trigger review periods, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and cautioning against repeating ineffective policies at the EU level.

Victorian Liberal MP Mary Aldred has rebuked the federal government for not engaging law enforcement to tackle the “serious problem” of illicit tobacco across the country - which is costing Australia billions. In recent months, the Albanese government has faced mounting pressure over the “staggering” level of black market tobacco and e-cigarette trading in Australia, which has boomed as a result of Labor’s excise settings.

Behavioral science consultant Arielle Selya joins GFN News to discuss her new YouTube channel and why she’s breaking down tobacco harm reduction research. From misperceptions about vaping to the gateway hypothesis, she explains what the science actually shows—and how studies are often misrepresented.

The Netherlands plans to raise the legal age for buying nicotine products, including vapes, from 18 to 21, aligning with European trends. Concerns over youth vaping are driving the change, echoing similar moves in Latvia, Ireland, and Finland. Industry groups criticize the proposal, citing legal adult status at 18 and warning of potential illicit trade. The impact of such measures is being monitored, with differing approaches in neighboring countries.

See HRA’s new Tobacco Harm Reduction Policy Brief to understand why Australia should urgently reform its current tobacco control strategy to an evidenced-based harm reduction approach including reducing tobacco excise, establishing a legal, regulated market for lower risk nicotine products and, shifting investment from enforcement to regulation…

A study by the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods highlights disparities in neighborhood amenities, with poorer areas having more vape shops and bookmakers but fewer cafes and gyms. Keir Starmer's government is focusing on regenerating high streets through the "pride in place" program. However, there are concerns that vital neighborhood shopping precincts are being overlooked. Research warns of high vacancy rates in deprived areas and the lack of social infrastructure. Farage's Reform UK is also emphasizing rejuvenating high streets. The decline of high streets is a major concern, particularly in Labour strongholds, with repercussions on community cohesion and potentially fueling radical politics online.

Despite a global decline in tobacco use from 2000 to 2024, with women taking the lead in quitting, the WHO data reveals ongoing challenges. The number of tobacco users dropped from 1.38 billion to 1.2 billion, yet it still impacts one in five adults, leading to millions of deaths yearly. E-cigarette consumption is increasing, especially in high-income countries, with concerns regarding addiction. Women surpassed the WHO's 2025 target for tobacco cessation ahead of schedule, while men may not meet it until 2031. Regional variations show Southeast Asia leading in reductions, and Africa aiming to decrease usage despite population growth. Notably, Europe has the highest adult tobacco use rate.

The World Health Organization (WHO) presents itself as a global health guardian but promotes policies that may increase disease and death, as reflected in the European Code Against Cancer. Despite scientific consensus on the reduced harm of non-combustible nicotine products compared to smoking, WHO's insistence on taxing them similarly to cigarettes discourages switching and perpetuates smoking, especially among marginalized populations. This approach prioritizes institutional interests over public health benefits, contradicting harm reduction principles, and risking lives. Embracing harm reduction instead of impeding it is crucial for genuine health progress.

Bureaucracy’s primary instinct is self-preservation. Across government, non-profit, and private sectors, bureaucratic institutions work to present themselves as essential, celebrate their own past achievements, and deflect blame for failures onto those lower in the hierarchy. A recent example is a 15-page publication by federal health officials titled Delivering Results: Advancing Canada’s Tobacco Strategy, which reads largely as self-promotion. The document highlights standard talking points such as respect for Indigenous peoples and the distribution of large amounts of public funding to other agencies. It also congratulates itself for declining smoking rates and portrays Ottawa’s health bureaucracy as heroically improving Canadians’ lives.

U.S. regulators are close to approving Zyn nicotine pouches as safer than cigarettes. Experts at a FDA hearing support the claim that Zyn reduces risks, with minimal youth use. In contrast, Europe is restricting similar products due to youth concerns. The Association of Swedish Snus Manufacturers praises U.S. openness to harm reduction. FDA granted pre-market approval to Zyn last year, recognizing it as less harmful. The public can comment until March 4, 2026, before the FDA's final decision. Previously, FDA approved Swedish Match USA's tobacco snus as a reduced-risk product in 2019.